Rock Run Preserve
Location
Rock Run Preserve has two access points:
- Black Road Access is located on Black Road, west of Essington Road, in Joliet.
- Paul V. Nichols Access is located on Essington Road, north of Black Road, in Joliet.
Hours
Sunrise-sunset
Trails
Rock Run Greenway Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
Spanning 321 acres, Rock Run Preserve in Joliet features a diverse mix of forest, prairie and wetland habitats along Rock Run, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.
The preserve includes two access areas in Joliet: Black Road Access and Paul V. Nichols Access.
Planning your visit
Rock Run Preserve is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Fishing: Black Road Access provides shoreline fishing at a quarry pond within the preserve. State and District regulations apply.
- Picnicking: Picnic shelters are available at both access areas. Black Road Access offers a reservable shelter with a capacity of 60 people, while Paul V. Nichols Access includes a shelter for groups of fewer than 25 people that is not available for rental.
- Trails: Rock Run Preserve features 0.52 mile of crushed limestone trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The preserve also provides access to the 11.29-mile paved Rock Run Greenway Trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This trail connects to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ I&M Canal State Trail and the 4.36-mile Joliet Junction Trail, creating a 16-mile, mostly paved loop.
Flora and fauna
Rock Run Preserve supports a wide range of wildlife, including snapping turtles, Chicago garter snakes and more than 100 bird species. The preserve is also home to more than 500 plant species, including violet, buttercup, mint and aster.
Ongoing management — including invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration — helps maintain and enhance these ecosystems.
Preserve history
Rock Run Preserve was acquired between 1990 and 2009. A 159-acre portion of the site was registered as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2003 and 2005, providing permanent protection for its natural resources. It is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,400 acres.
Upcoming events
View all events
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Tic-Tac-GO!
Turn this summer into a summer of adventure with weekly explorations at Monee Reservoir and Plum Creek Nature Center.
Pollinator Party
Get a head start on celebrating Pollinator Week 2026 at this family-friendly event where you can learn about the insects and animals that perform the important task of pollinating plants.
Latest headlines
View all headlines
What you need to know about the lone star tick
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Vehicle access to be restricted at Lockport Prairie to protect at-risk wildlife
The move comes as a result of data showing increased turtle deaths on Division Street during nesting season.
One small gosling's rescue highlights a big problem in the preserves
A gosling tangled in fishing line got a second chance thanks to wildlife rescue volunteers. The rescue highlights the dangers discarded fishing line poses to wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Fishing is allowed in any forest preserve unless otherwise posted. Visit the fishing page for more information.
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.
Any for-profit photographer must obtain a permit before taking photos or videos in a District preserve. The fee for a photography permit is $25 per hour. Commercial filming permits are $125 for a half day, $250 for a full day, and $1,000 for a week. Permit applications are available on the Photography and Videography permit page. We do not offer annual permits at this time.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.